Ogun NSCDC Seeks Media Collaboration to Fight Vandalism, Protect Critical Infrastructure

By Olawale Olayinka, Abeokuta

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to combat vandalism, protect critical national infrastructure and improve public confidence in security agencies.

The State Commandant, Commandant (Dr.) Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, made the call during an engagement with executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, at the command headquarters in Owu-Dekudu, Abeokuta, on Friday.

Ekundayo described the media as an indispensable partner in national development and security management, stressing that effective security operations require strategic communication, public enlightenment and cooperation between security agencies and citizens.

She noted that the protection of critical national assets, including petroleum pipelines, telecommunications facilities, power grids and other public utilities, could not be achieved by security agencies alone without active public participation.

According to her, responsible media reportage plays a crucial role in encouraging citizens to provide useful information to security agencies, expose criminal activities and promote collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure.

The commandant also stressed the need for security agencies across the country to establish structured partnerships with journalists to address misinformation, prevent unnecessary public panic during emergencies and ensure the dissemination of accurate security-related information.

She explained that contemporary security challenges required more than tactical operations, noting that effective public communication and civic engagement were essential to building trust and strengthening the capacity of security agencies to respond to emerging threats.

To ensure effective communication and a seamless flow of verified information, Ekundayo directed the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Sulaimon Folorunso, to maintain open communication channels with national correspondents operating in Ogun State.

She, however, emphasised the need for a balance between the media's responsibility to inform the public and the security agencies' obligation to protect sensitive operational information, urging journalists to uphold professional ethics while reporting security matters.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yetunde Fatungase, reaffirmed the commitment of journalists to ethical journalism, objective reporting and the promotion of national stability.

Fatungase acknowledged the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC in internal security, civil protection and the regulation of private guard companies, adding that the media remained willing to support efforts aimed at protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure.

She said stronger institutional cooperation between security agencies and media organisations would help bridge communication gaps, promote public understanding of security operations and strengthen citizens' confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The NUJ chairman further underscored the importance of sustained engagement between journalists and security personnel, noting that accurate information and responsible reporting were necessary to address security concerns and encourage community participation in crime prevention.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment by the NSCDC and the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel to strengthen cooperation in public enlightenment, infrastructure protection and community-driven security advocacy.

Both institutions expressed optimism that closer collaboration would contribute to efforts to curb vandalism, improve information sharing and promote a safer environment for residents of Ogun State and Nigerians at large.